Passkeys will be the default authentication method in Entra ID

Microsoft makes the use of passkeys mandatory in Entra ID to combat phishing. SMS and voice will be retired in 2027. Prepare for the transition.

lunes, 13 de julio de 2026 • 3 min read • Q2BSTUDIO Team

Goodbye SMS and voice: Microsoft boosts security without phishing

The digital authentication ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation. The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, powered by artificial intelligence, has made methods such as SMS or voice obsolete, which depend on easily interceptable channels. Microsoft's recent decision to make passkeys the default method in Entra ID is not just a technical update, but a paradigm shift that forces a rethink of enterprise identity security.

Passkeys, based on public-key cryptography, eliminate the shared factor and make phishing virtually impossible. While an SMS can be redirected via SIM swapping or a social engineering attack, a passkey only works on the device and website for which it was generated. This resistance to phishing, combined with a faster login experience, makes them the logical bet for the future.

Behind this migration there is a context of threats that artificial intelligence has accelerated. AI-assisted phishing campaigns achieve click-through rates of over 50%, well above traditional methods. Attackers no longer need advanced skills; They can automate credential theft and privilege escalation in a matter of minutes. That's why companies that still rely on phishable authentication methods are exposing their systems to increasing risks.

Microsoft sets a clear timeline: from September 2026 passkey registration will be forced, and by February 2027 native SMS and voice support will disappear. Those who, for regulatory or technical reasons, need to maintain these methods must contract external telecommunications operators through the Microsoft Security Store, assuming the associated costs. This decision underscores that the industry can no longer afford to rely on legacy channels.

For organizations, preparation must begin as soon as possible. Identifying users who are still using SMS or voice, planning the deployment of synchronized passkeys (such as those stored in iCloud or Google keychains) or linked to devices (such as Microsoft Authenticator or FIDO2 keys), and communicating changes to employees are critical steps. Fortunately, tools like sign-up campaigns make it easy to transition massively.

Beyond authentication, this evolution opens the door to a passwordless ecosystem where identity is managed in a biometric and decentralized way. Companies that integrate these technologies with AWS and Azure cloud services will gain in scalability and security. At Q2BSTUDIO, as a software and technology development company, we help organizations design and implement these solutions, combining custom applications with robust cloud infrastructure. Our team has an in-depth understanding of today's cybersecurity challenges and can guide the adoption of passkeys, as well as integration with existing systems.

In addition, artificial intelligence for companies is not only a threat; it is also an ally. AI agent solutions can automate the detection of anomalous behavior in logins, while business intelligence tools such as Power BI allow you to visualize and analyze authentication logs in real time. At Q2BSTUDIO we offer business intelligence and process automation services that complement these security strategies.

To ensure that your organization embraces these changes without compromising security, having an expert cybersecurity partner is critical. At Q2BSTUDIO we offer specialized cybersecurity and pentesting services to evaluate and strengthen your defenses. Similarly, the migration to modern authentication methodologies is supported by a robust cloud infrastructure; our AWS and Azure cloud services enable you to deploy scalable and secure identity solutions.

The transition to passkeys is not optional: it is a direct response to a threat environment that has surpassed the capabilities of legacy methods. Companies that act early will not only protect their digital identity, but also simplify their users' experience. Q2BSTUDIO is prepared to accompany this process, offering everything from custom software to integration with AI agents, including business intelligence consulting. The time to act is now: February 2027 is closer than it seems.

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